Adani Gets 1000 Acres of Land for Just ₹1: Questions Raised on Bihar Government’s Decision
Introduction
A major controversy has erupted in Bihar’s political circles after the state government leased 1,020 acres of land in Bhagalpur to Adani Power Group for just ₹1. The lease has been granted for 33 years, sparking outrage on social media and sharp criticism from opposition parties. The big question: why was such a massive land parcel given away almost free, and who truly benefits from this deal?
In this article, we break down the controversy into 5 major points:
- Why was the land given so cheap?
- The environmental concern – cutting 1 million trees
- Farmers not getting fair compensation
- Electricity pricing and hidden costs
- The political timing ahead of elections
1. Why so cheap?
The government claims that such incentives are necessary to attract big corporations and generate employment. Offering tax breaks, cheap land, and other benefits is a common strategy to lure investment. However, leasing 1,020 acres for ₹1 for 33 years raises eyebrows. Normally, such incentives last 8–10 years, but here the government extended it to over three decades, making the deal highly controversial.
2. Cutting down 1 million trees
The land includes nearly 1 million mango and litchi trees, which will be cut down to make way for the thermal power plant. This is not only an environmental disaster but also a massive food and economic loss. Replanting such trees would take decades and cost over ₹100 crore. In a state like Bihar, which already struggles with floods and climate issues, this large-scale deforestation is alarming.
3. Farmers without compensation
According to Congress and local farmers, land acquisition was done under pressure, and many farmers were forced to sign documents without being paid fair compensation. This issue has created anger in rural communities and could become a major electoral concern.
4. Expensive electricity despite cheap land
The electricity produced at the Adani Power Plant will be sold to Bihar at ₹6.8 per unit. Interestingly, Adani sells electricity at much cheaper rates to Madhya Pradesh (₹5.8) and Uttar Pradesh (₹5.4). Despite free land, cheap labor, proximity to coal mines, and access to the Ganga river, electricity in Bihar will cost more. This raises serious doubts about whether the deal truly benefits the people of Bihar.
5. Why just before elections?
The timing of this tender, just months before Bihar Assembly elections, makes the deal look even more suspicious. The opposition alleges favoritism between the BJP and Adani, while the ruling party insists that it was a fully legal tender process. Still, the political impact of this decision cannot be ignored.
Conclusion
The deal of leasing 1,020 acres of land to Adani Power Group for just ₹1 is not just about business. It involves environmental destruction, farmers’ rights, high electricity prices, and politics. With elections around the corner, this issue is bound to become a major talking point.
Ultimately, the people of Bihar will decide whether this deal is in their interest or just another case of crony capitalism.
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